ANMF response to AHPRA regarding adoption of antisemitism definition

ANMF Statement on Ahpra’s Adoption of the IHRA definition in its joint statement on combatting antisemitism

The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is the country’s largest trade union and professional nursing and midwifery organisation representing more than 356,000 members nationally, with more than 320,000 of these members registered under the national regulation and accreditation scheme administered by Ahpra. As such any and all decisions made by Ahpra critically impact the ANMF and its members.

The ANMF condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, hatred and bigotry. The ANMF strongly opposes antisemitism and all forms of racial or religious discrimination in the provision of healthcare. Racism not only undermines nursing and midwifery practice; it also directly contributes to poorer health outcomes.

The ANMF believes that eradicating all forms of racism and discrimination is a human rights, health and union issue.

However, the ANMF has serious concerns with the joint statement, released 17 June 2026, by Ahpra: Eliminating antisemitism in healthcare, in particular, its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. It is the position of ANMF that this statement will not achieve its intended purpose, which is to eliminate antisemitism. Rather, it will, and is already causing unnecessary harm, confusion and concern for nurses and midwives across the country. The ANMF is particularly concerned that the IHRA definition may conflate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism more broadly, a conflation the ANMF rejects, and that our members could face regulatory action in the event they are investigated for alleged antisemitism which in substance is valid criticism of the actions of the state of Israel.

The ANMF calls on the Board of Ahpra to:

1. Immediately suspend the endorsement and application of the IHRA definition;

1. Continue to rely upon existing statutory obligations, professional codes, standards and anti-discrimination laws when assessing allegations of racism, discrimination and antisemitism;

1. Strengthen safeguards against vexatious, politically motivated or bad-faith notifications;

1. Establish a transparent consultation process with stakeholders to identify other suitable processes to achieve the aim sought by Ahpra in implementing use of the IHRA definition.

The ANMF remains deeply committed to working with Ahpra, all health and aged care stakeholders and our members to eliminate antisemitism and all forms of racism, discrimination, hatred and bigotry in Australia’s health and aged care systems.

The ANMF, with over 356,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia. 

ANMF statement authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.